| South Beach Diet A to Z: Alcoholic Beverages | |
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When can Alcoholic Beverages be Consumed on the SBD?
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed during Phase 1 of The South Beach Diet. The only exception is the use of wine in cooking during Phase 1. Dry table wine is nearly carb-free so you can use it while you're cooking without it affecting your dieting success or your blood sugar.
(Dessert wines and liquors, on the other hand, should not be used in cooking because of their sugar content.)
Certain drinks such as red or white wine (which Dr. Agatston recommends over other alcoholic beverages), can be consumed once you begin Phase 2 of The South Beach Diet. If you don't need to stay on Phase 1 any longer than the initial 14 days (obese individuals may extend Phase 1), that means you'll be going "cold turkey" for just two weeks.
Alcoholic beverages contain few carbohydrates, but the reason Dr. Agatston doesn't allow them in Phase 1 is due to the way alcohol is converted by your body: It turns into sugar. This will cause your blood sugar to spike. Remember, the purpose of Phase 1 is to level out your blood sugar so cravings for "bad" carbs will subside and you'll begin losing weight.
There are guidelines for alcohol consumption in Phase 2 of The South Beach Diet which you will find detailed in the plan. Moderation is the key. One or two glasses a day is recommended as the cut-off; the serving size of your drink varies with the type you choose.
For example, according to The South Beach Diet online, Phase 1 can allow you three to four ounces of wine in each serving, but if you choose gin instead, each serving can only contain 1 1/2 ounces.
Some beverages remain off-limits even during Phase 2 of The South Beach Diet. These include beer, liqueur such as Kahlua, brandy and wine coolers (due to added sugar).
Last but not least, if you're on Phase 2 and you're going to imbibe, make sure it's during or immediately following a meal because doing so will affect the way your blood sugar reacts to the drink.
Suggested Reading:
Source:
The South Beach Diet : The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss, Arthur Agatston, MD, St. Martin's Griffin (April 19, 2005 edition).
